How to Heal Jock Itch

Jock itch, also known as genital itching, is not just something athletes and men experience. Jock itch is caused by both friction and fungus. When skin rubs against skin, heat and moisture from sweat combine to create tender patches of itchy skin. You are more likely to develop jock itch if you are physically active or obese. Help your jock itch heal at home once you determine whether it is caused by friction or fungus.

Things You'll Need

• Cornstarch
• Talcum powder
• Powders
• Over-the-counter creams
• Blow dryer
• Ice
• Washcloth

Instructions

Powders

1. Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder in your underwear to help absorb extra moisture and reduce friction.

2. Add a bit of powder to your hands and pat your genital region as well.

3. Limit the frequency of talcum powder if you are a woman, since its use has been linked to ovarian cancer.

Over-the-Counter Ointments

1. Look for scaly, ringworm-looking borders and itching that develops slowly in fungal-based jock itch. Use a miconazole- or clotrimazole-based ointment.

2. Look for red patches that are itchy and sensitive to the touch immediately after exercise or activity that makes you sweat, causing friction-based jock itch. Use a zinc oxide- or hydrocortisone-based ointment.

3. Follow the package directions for your over-the-counter ointment.

Cleansing

1. Take a shower or bath immediately following workouts or any sweat-inducing activities.

2. Dry off thoroughly to avoid chaffing. Use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, if necessary.

3. Put on clean, loose fitting clothing to allow air to flow between your legs.

Ice

1. Relieve inflamed skin using several ice cubes wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice compress for no more than 20 minutes at a time, and never apply ice directly to bare skin.

2. Soak a washcloth in cool water. Apply the washcloth to the inflamed area.

3. Dry the affected area thoroughly after treating.

Relax

1. Keep off your feet as much as possible to avoid generating more moisture between your legs when you stand and walk.

2. Avoid working out or working up a sweat.

3. Remove your clothes whenever possible, and allow the area to breathe.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a health care professional if you suspect you have jock itch and before undertaking any treatments. What looks like jock itch could be something more serious, such as an infestation of scabies or pubic lice. It could also be a forewarning of herpes blisters outbreaks. In a woman, what seems like jock itch could be the early signs of a yeast infection.

References

• Genital Itching